Independent Booksellers' Week: authors' favourite bookshops

Independent Booksellers' Week: authors' favourite bookshops

The pressures on independent bookshops show no sign of relenting – more than 200 have closed since 2009 leaving only 1094 still trading this year. The annual celebration Independent Booksellers' Week has seen a range of initiatives around the UK, from a crime writers' festival at London's Goldsboro Books to the appearance behind the tills of bestselling authors including Ian Rankin, Susan Hill and Joanne Harris.

Writers from Michael Frayn to Deborah Moggach are celebrating Independent Booksellers' Week by telling us about the local store they love. Take a look at their choices below – and to tell the world about YOUR favourite independent,
submit a review to our interactive map of the UK's best bookshops, in association with National Book Tokens

Friday 6 July 2012 07.41 EDT

Claire Tomalin’s and Michael Frayn’s favourite bookshop: The Open Book, Richmond: Tomalin: 'We've lived here for nine years and the shop is one of the great amenities; wonderful, with amazing stocks. When I phone for a book it will be there, probably next day. It makes for a good life to have a place like this; English towns will become desolate without bookshops. When I was a child, my library and my local bookshop gave me a great education.' Frayn: 'Helena Caletta's apparently tiny shop stretches way back into the hidden depths of the world, just as books do. She is as down-to-earth as a postmistress, but she knows her stock because she reads it herself. She and her partner Michael also know everyone in the district, all of whom are in and out of the shop, so everything about it breathes not dust and dullness but life and interest.'
Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin is out in paperback. Skios by Michael Frayn was published in MayPhotograph: Open Book

Tracy Chevalier's favourite bookshop: Highgate Bookshop, Highgate

'My two favourite bookshops are those closest to me – Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town and Highgate Bookshop. It's their proximity that appeals: because they are close, I go in often, so the staff know me, say hello, and are happy to chat. That is the point, really. Of course they choose good, varied, interesting books to put in their windows, but they also TALK about them knowledgeably and with opinions. I like people who have passionate loves and hates when it comes to books.'
Tracy Chevalier's latest book, Remarkable Creatures, is out in paperback

'I’m lucky enough to have a great bookshop right on my doorstep; The Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town stocks a great range and I can always find a book to suit every mood and occasion. As a writer myself, I know how valuable it is to keep these sources of knowledge, enthusiasm and service on our high streets – I love being able to browse among a fabulous and eclectic range of new and backlist books. I urge everyone to support their local bookshop – rare breeds need constant nurturing.'
Michael Marshall's latest novel, Killer Move, is published in paperback in September

Chris Cleave's favourite shop: Newham Bookshop, London E13

'I know many great indies but I bet none will mind me singling out Newham Bookshop. Veterans of decades in books, owners Vivian and John hand-sell with a knowledge and zeal that has launched many thousands of reading adventures. They go out to the local community and schools, bringing reading to people who might otherwise miss out. Through their live events they’ve championed countless fledgling writers, including me. More than just a bookshop, Newham is the cultural heart of a community that isn’t London’s most advantaged. Celebrate that by buying a book from them today – they post everywhere!'
Chris Cleave's new novel, Gold, is out now, published by Sceptre at £16.99

Peter James' favourite bookshop: City Books in Hove

'City is one of the few independent bookstores left in my area. It's one of those shops where you can't come out without buying something; the staff are very knowledgable. Independents need to distinguish themselves from supermarkets and online through real hand-selling. Go into City and say you want a crime novel, and someone will talk to you about it. The shop also hosts a lot of events; I do several talks with them a year. I worked behind the till on Monday and learned how to do book tokens – and sold one of my own books!'
Peter James' latest novel, Not Dead Yet, was published earlier this year

Wendy Cope's favourite bookshop: Topping & Co, Ely

'Last year my partner and I moved to Ely, where we were thrilled to find Topping & Company, a first-rate independent bookshop. Three floors to browse and enjoy. Many people think it is better than any of the bookshops in nearby Cambridge. I’d also like to mention P&G Wells of Winchester, just around the corner from where we used to live. A lovely bookshop with an especially good children’s department.'

MC Beaton's favourite bookshop: Cotswold Bookstore, Moreton-in-Marsh

'I call them my three angels: Tony Keats, David Whitehead and Nina Smith, the expert booksellers at the Cotswold Bookstore. They are marvellous at helping new local authors get started, and pull out all the stops to give them publicity. They are the last of a dying breed: real booksellers; the sort of people you can ask to recommend a book know they'll pick out something you will like. Local celebrity and spywriter Henry Porter is a devoted customer. Saturday mornings are a tremendous Cotswold get-together. Long may they last!'
Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns by MC Beaton is published in paperback by Robinson, £6.99

Deborah Moggach's favourite bookshop: The Society Club, Soho

'Run by the beauteous Babette, the Society, not only sells new and used books but also vintage hotel ashtrays, Constance Spry vases and organic dogfood (dogs very welcome). While you browse you can quaff tea and cakes, with homemade marmalade and London honey. It also hosts book readings and photographic shows and is altogether and rare and magic place.'
Deborah Moggach's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is out in paperback